In comedy, the importance of versatility cannot be understated.
Steve Martin’s ability to side-split a room of Mid-Westerners with classic slapstick fall whilst simultaneously delivering cracking one-liners throughout his film career rendered him one of comedy’s greats. Robin Williams’ combination voices, highly crafted emotive acting skills saw him transcend generations with performances that cut the crux of the human condition.
Modern comedy troubadours like Broad City’s Abbi and Ilana, Kate McKinnon and, John Mulaney kill it with hilarious narratives, impersonations that stir intense hysterics.
Ron Funches isn’t a jack of all trades – he’s a master of many. He’s a triple-threat, taking the world of comedy by its reigns and branding it with his simultaneously ultra-relatable yet quick-witted one-two punch. With his resume stacked with a slew of stand up specials, writing credits, and acting roles, he’s a show-biz renaissance man, and one of the most versatile players in the comedy game currently.
He’s making his way to Australia for his first ever stand up tour this month, where he’ll treat Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to his show of equal parts heart-warming realizations and sharp-tinged jabs at social issues.
Stand Up
Before moving to L.A to kick off his official career in show-biz, Funches cut his teeth on the stages of Portland’s stand up comedy circuit. The hustler spirit and thick skin is a basic requirement for anyone wanting to get into stand up – Funches quickly became one of the most popular, well respected and busiest comedians around.
He immediately solidified a unique style of slow-delivery comedy – the kind of storytelling that requires patience, restraint and an understanding of the nuances of the everyday.
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Whether its a musing on the mundanity of work, the deep ins and outs of a video game or a searing pop culture hot take, his gentle delivery can often juxtapose with the intense layering of his jokes and self-deprecation, creating a deeply interesting comedic experience.
Ron Funches: “I Hate Jobs”
Since then, he’s been a frequenter of the late night stage, making appearances on The Conan O’Brien Show and The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon.
In 2014, he landed his first ever stand-up special The Half Hour for Comedy Central, released to huge acclaim from comedy fans and critics.
His most recent stand-up special Giggle Fit, released in early January, Funches showcased a maturity in his stand-up, carved from years of honing his craft.
Watch: Ron Funches on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon
Writing
The ability to write a cracking sketch or storyline is a skill heralded with the utmost regard in show-biz. Crafting characters that manage to encompass and mirror traits we see in a friend or family member and placing them in scenarios
Funches managed to set himself up alongside some of modern comedy’s most well-respected all-rounders. Funches lent his writing talents to wildly popular absurdist comedy splash The Eric Andre Show in 2014, during a season 3 episode that featured comedy icon Seth Rogan.
Watch: Seth Rogan on The Eric Andre Show
Between 2014 and 2015, Funches lent his writing skills to Kroll Show, Nick Kroll’s very own sketch comedy show that garnered a huge cult following during its run on Comedy Central.
Watch: Ron Funches on CONAN on TBS
Acting
To round off Funches’ triple threat sensibilities, he’s managed to rack up quite the impressive lineup of acting credits. Kicking things off on the silver screen in 2011, he starred in Portlandia alongside Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein.
Since then, he’s managed to stun audiences with his signature charm and wit in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Black•ish, New Girl, Transparent, Powerless, and Undateable. Funches took his talents to the big screen in 2015, starring alongside two of comedy’s biggest stars, Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart in the film Get Hard.
Watch: Ron Funches in Undateable
Funches has clearly made his mark across some of comedy’s most vital and well-loved modern platforms – it’s a testament to his ability to understand the depths of what audiences are after across different mediums and his hard work over the years.
Last year, he even launched his own podcast, Gettin’ Better with Ron Funches where he interviews fellow comedians to discuss life, passions, hobbies, and how he is on a constant journey to better himself.
Catch a comedy legend in the making this April.
Ron Funches Australian Tour
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Tue 16 Apr – Sat 20 Apr
The Comic’s Lounge, Melbourne, VIC (18+ *)
Tickets
Perth
Wed 24 Apr
Comedy Lounge, Perth, WA (All Ages*)
Tickets
Sydney Comedy Festival
Sat 27 Apr 9.15pm
Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW (All Ages*)
Tickets
